May 15th--Friendly Letter to Jillian

Please type your friendly letter to Jillian. Make sure you run your letter through spell check! Make sure your letter is appropriate and thoughtful. I will be reading these before they are sent. If I have to question your content you will receive a failing grade!

Use this return address:
Your Name
c/o Shrine Catholic Schools
3500 W 13 Mile Road
Royal Oak, MI 48076

When you are finished you may go to the following sites ONLY:

• http://freerice.com/ --a fun vocabulary game
• http://www.funbrain.com/ --select your grade for your skill level near the bottom of the page
• http://www.prongo.com/games/ --select your age range for appropriate games
• http://www.theproblemsite.com/games.asp --fun games to stimulate your problem solving skills!

May 13th --Tuesday

Today you had your last editing session in class. We reviewed parenthetical citations again as well as the works cited page. Use your red MLA book as a reference guide!

Your final package (again, use the handout I gave you called FINAL PACKAGE) is due on THURSDAY! NO EXCEPTIONS! If some crazy error happens to your computer, the only excuse that will free you is a note from mom or dad!

HOMEWORK:
Open book punctuation test tomorrow! I would look through this unit in the book tonight. The answers will not jump out at you on the test tomorrow. You will have to know the material!

May 12th

Today we discussed and looked at a sample paper with parenthetical citations, a Works Cited page and an indented quote.

I also sketched out our plans for the week.

Homework:
Come to class tomorrow with a TYPED version of your rough draft! Make sure you properly put in your MLA heading, PARA, STAT, DQ, and IQ (complete with parenthetical citations) and make a Works Cited page.

Tuesday:
One more peer editing session day. You will have time for at least two peers to edit. Make sure you properly put in your MLA heading, PARA, STAT, DQ, and IQ (complete with parenthetical citations) and make a Works Cited page.

Wendesday:
Open book punctuation test. You will have time after the test to ask any final questions about your paper if you have any....

Thursday:
Turn in the Final Package (final draft and other items listed on the handout given last week).
In class we will do a nice fun creative writing assignment.

Friday May 9th

"Do I Have Any Homework?"

After two editing sessions now with your peers, I would STRONGLY ADVISE you to go home this weekend and type up your rough draft, using the suggested changes, and coming to class on Monday with a new, typed rough draft. This way you won't be spending the night before typing your final draft. All you will have to do is tidy up your rough draft.

So.....if your questions is "Do I have any homework?"---I am not assigning some, however, I think you should assign yourself some, using the advice above :)

Have a great weekend! Don't forget to tell your mom how much you Love her!

Thursday May 8th

EDITING DAY!

On the next three school days we will edit rough drafts. Each day you will partner with someone different. Make sure you come prepared with a copy of your rough draft, your MLA stylebook, and the editing sessions worksheet I gave you last week.

In each of these sessions it will be important to:

• read your partner's work CAREFULLY. Remember: I am not reading your rough for grammar/punctuation. I will only look at your STAT, IQ, DQ, and PARA as well as your intro. and conclusion. Your editing job is crucial because you are the one who will correct the body of the paper.
• make NEAT and LEGIBLE suggestions/marks on your partner's work. If you do not make marks neat, your partner will not be able to correct the mistakes.
  give CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM. Remember: your partner has taken great care in his/her work. Be mindful and courteous.
• have conversations after you have silently edited. If you do not understand a part of the paper, talk with your partner. Make sure that revise this part. Chances are if you don't understand it, I will not understand it either.
• Editing should NOT end in the classroom. I suggest going home each night and making corrections. Come back each day with a newly revised rough. This will reduce the amount of editing you have to do in one night. And, hopefully, each rough you receive back will have less and less errors to correct. After Friday, please have your mom/dad/brother/sister/grandma/someone at home edit your work as well. The more sets of eyes looking at your work, the better :)
  

Good LUCK and happy editing! Next week will talk about the Works Cited page one last time before you turn in your paper.

Your paper is DUE Thursday May 15th.

May 6th

Today was the final day to work on you rough draft in class. Tomorrow you MUST have a completed, hand written rough draft in class.
Also, you must have the permission slip in class tomorrow in order to participate in the video taping!

May 5th

Happy Cinco De Mayo!

Today you had the hour to continue working on your rough draft.

Your Completed, HandWritten Rough Draft is due

on Wednesday, May 7th! No exceptions.

Advice: If I were you, I would also begin to type it up to make sure you are on your way to a 5-7 double spaced typed paper (you will be turning in the typed version in your final package).

May 2nd

Today you had another class day to work on your rough draft.

ADVICE: This weekend start typing what you have to see how a page front and back hand written equates to a typed page. Remember your final paper must be 5-7 pages typed, however, you do need your rough draft to be HANDWRITTEN!

Your completed rough draft is due on MAY 7th (Wednesday!) It must be here, complete, handwritten, skip lines for full credit! No exceptions.

Use your weekend time wisely. You will also have all day Monday, and all day Tuesday to work on your rough draft in class!

May 1st!

Today you started writing your rough draft in class! YIPPEE!

You MUST HAVE A HAND WRITTEN version of your rough draft! Your rough draft will be due on MAY 7th! You will have entire class periods today, Friday, Monday and Tuesday to work on it. Again, it is due when you walk into class on WEDNESDAY MAY 7th!

After you have your completed rough draft finished we will be having in class editing sessions with it.

Homework: From now until May 7th, continue writing your rough draft (even over the weekend!)

April 30th

Today we corrected the mastery review for our punctuation unit.

In class, and if you are not finished, at home this evening, you must finish the quotation marks worksheet.

Tomorrow, you must also have two typed versions of your outline in class. You will be starting to write your rough draft tomorrow in class! If you don't have your outline, you will receive a zero for it and you will not be able to start your paper! It is VITAL that you have it tomorrow!

April 25th---HAVE FUN IN DC (if you are going :)

Read the message below for instructions and outline due date.

Remember: The day you come back to school, Wed April 30th, we will be correctly the stash of homework that we have not corrected yet (including the review assignment for the punctuation unit).

Make sure you have it all!

Have a great two day vacation!

Those of you off to DC--have an awesome time and be safe!
Those of you sticking around Michigan---rest and relax :)See you on Wednesday!

Wednesday April 23rd

Today you began writing your outline in class.

You have two options for the due date.

Option #1
You can either handwrite or type the outline and turn it in on Friday April 25th. You will receive 2 points extra credit for it. I will take it and you will receive feedback from me on it.

Option #2
You MUST type it and turn it in on MAY 1st. You will need TWO copies of it on this day. (One you will turn in and one you will use to start writing your paper in class). No extra credit will be given on this day. Also, I will not give you feedback.On May 1st everyone must have a copy of their outline in class so that they can use it to write their paper.

April 22nd--HAPPY EARTH DAY!

Today we discussed Introductory paragraphs and Concluding paragraphs. You took notes from my overhead on to how you are to begin writing your outline. You had 25 minutes today to work on the introduction and the conclusion.

Homework:
The introduction and conclusion must be done and brought in completed tomorrow. You do not HAVE to type it, but think about the legibility of your writing. You will be having two friends read through it tomorrow and get some feedback.

Monday April 21st

Today you began reviewing for your unit on punctuation.

You worked on this assignment in class:
Page 653 Part A #1-15, answers only
Part B #16-20, write out the sentences
Part C #26-28, write out the sentences
Part D #36-38, write out the sentences
Part E--rewrite the letter correctly
Part F--#56, 57, 60, 61, 62, write out the sentences.

We will cover this along with the other assignment you are holding on to when you return from DC on Wednesday, April 30th.

For the remainder of this week we are going to focus on Thesis Statements, Intro and Concluding Paragraphs and Outlining. We will have LRC days to work on this Tuesday-Friday.

April 17th

Today we discussed quotation marks. You took a few notes first from the reading and then we applied them to a class discussion.

Next I gave you an assignment. Pay special attention to it and especially when we go over it in class tomorrow. Quotations are sometimes hard to grasp! Ask questions as needed!

Assignment:
Page 649 Part A #1-5, write out the sentences
Page 650 Practice your Skills (section of dialogue) (write out)
Page 651 Part A, answers only

April 16th

Today we corrected and collected last night's homework.

Next we discussed apostrophes.

Assignment:
Page 645 and 646--take notes
Page 645, answers only Part A
Page 647, answers only Part A and Part B rewrite the paragraph
Page 652 Check Point, Part A only, answers only

April 15th

Today I checked your notecards in.

While I did this you completed an assignment. If you didn't finish, it became homework.

Class/Homework
Page 641-take notes; Part A, answers only; Part B rewrite the paragraph
Page 643/644-take notes; Part A rewrite the paragraph

April 9th

Today you had another work day to take notes for your research paper.

I will not be here tomorrow, and Ms. Stefanakis will be here in my place. You will again be taking notes for the research paper.

Remember: your notecards are due on Tuesday April 15th! (see the blog entry below) You will also have Monday in class to work on them as well.

April 3rd through the 8th

Last week we discussed statistics (STATS), indented quotes (IQs), paraphrases (PARAs), and direct quotes (DQs). In your final research paper, you will need at least one of each of these in your paper. You may have additional STATs, PARAs, and DQs, but ONLY ONE IQ.

The reason I covered this lesson was so you could properly begin your notecards with all of the research you will need to write your paper.

When composing your notecards you should simply write notes. You may use bulletted points. You may also skip ONE line between each note. After each note, you should also write the Source Card number where it came from so you know where you found the information and also so you can cite it in your paper. Each note card should be completely filled.

HOW MANY DO I NEED?

See the list below for notecard size:

3x5 = 35 notecards if you write on both front and back (70 if you write on one side only)
4x6 = 25 notecards if you write on both front and back (50 if you write on one side only)

WHEN ARE THEY DUE?

You will have class time today, tomorrow and Thursday. Friday you will not be in class due to the field trip. You will also have one final day to work on Monday (and not to mention an entire weekend). Your total number of notecards are due on Tuesday, April 15th. The total depends on the list provided above. You must do the same size for all of the notecards and you must choose to do ALL front/back or ALL one-sided. You must also highlight your STAT, PARA, IQ, and DQ on your notecards. This makes it easy for both of us to find them.

If you have any questions while you are going through this process, please see me! I am here often times afterschool and am also available during lunch and homeroom.

April 2nd

Today we had a good class discussion about creating Source Cards (also known as Bib. Cards---bilography cards).

I modeled how to document an internet source properly and also showed you the places in your red MLA book where you can find information on citing internet as well as books and magazines.

Class/Homework:
Tomorrow come to class with at least your minimumly required 5 sources on source cards. If you have additional sources or gather more sources later, you will need to make source cards for those as well. I am only grading 5 (2 hard copy sources and 3 internet sources).

April Fool's Day!

Today I went around to check to make sure you had the 5 required sources I asked for. While I did this, you worked on Page 636, Check Point. This is due Friday. We will check this along with last night's homework.

Tomorrow bring in a stack of notecards. You can chooes 3x5 or 4x6. Please also bring a ziplock bag to keep them in or a notecard carrying case. Start being organized now!

You will also need your red MLA book so we can talk about source cards. We will also begin talking about notecards.

On April 14th (Tuesday) all of your notecards will be due.

3x5 front only = 70 (35 front and back)
4 x6 front only = 50 (25 front and back)

A Change in Plans

Today you had another LRC day to research for your paper.

Tomorrow you will be doing the same. If you think you are finished researching, make sure to bring all of your sources (books and internet) so you can begin reading and highlighting!

Monday March 17th

Today you researched in the LRC. Tomorrow you will do the same.

On Wednesday bring all of the sources you have so far to class. During this day you will have the opportunity to sift through the information and read it. You will have this opportunity because this will allow you to then go back to your focus questions and make sure you have been able to answer them all. If not, you will know what information you still have to look for or make the determination to switch your focus questions.

On the Monday we return to school (March 31st), I will not be here. The guest teacher will take you to the LRC for one final day to research in the lab.

Homework:
Until the research paper is done, your on-going homework will be to keep researching!

Researching Your Topic

Today we went to the LRC (Learning Resource Center) and heard a lecture on how to research from Ms. Myler. She gave us some excellent websites and databases to research our topics.

• http://www.eric.ed.gov/
• http://free.ed.gov/index.cfm
• http://infoweb.newsbank.com/ --searches Michigan newpapers as well as magazines. This is good for current topics of research

The sites below may not work at home, but try them anyhow. Some may require a driver's license to verify the user is from Michigan. Ask your parents to enter their information.

• http://elibrary.bigchalk.com/libweb/k6/do/search --easy to read magazine, newspaper, journal and other articles and exerts from books.
• http://newfirstsearch.oclc.org/WebZ/FSPrefs?entityjsdetect=:javascript=true:screensize=large:sessionid=fsapp2-49606-fdssz5d8-v2cd08:entitypagenum=1:0
• http://find.galegroup.com/menu/commonmenu.do?userGroupName=lom_oaklandk12
• http://discoverer.prod.sirs.com/discoweb/disco/do/frontpage --easy to read version of the SIRS database
• http://sks.sirs.com/cgi-bin/hst-portal-ren?id=S4428818-0-7390 --SIRS specializing in culture, the arts, and media related topics

WARNING: You may not use Wikipedia or any sites where the audience author's the material. We discussed this in class. You will be graded down if you attempt to use them!

VERY IMPORTANT: READ BELOW

You will have today, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday to research in class. The rest of your research must be done on your own! You will be required to have at least 2 HARD COPY sources and 3 internet sources in class TUESDAY, APRIL 1st (HARD COPY is defined by an actual magazine, newspaper or book. On other words, it cannot come from the computer at all! No internet or computer encyclopedias.)

In class you must have your two HARD COPY sources and your 3 internet articles. This means you must check out your books/magazines/etc and have them in class. I am giving you PLENTY of time to visit a library. START THIS WEEKEND if you have to! I will NOT accept "someone else had it checked out, so I don't have it" or "I didn't have time"....etc. NO EXCUSES!

Again, the total of 2 HARD COPY and 3 INTERNET SOURCES

are due on APRIL 1st!

(and this is NOT a joke :)

Thursday March 13th

Today we corrected our first puntuation assignment from Tuesday night. Next we talked about commas on pages 628-631.

I gave you your class/homework assignment: Page 628 #1-5, #11-20 and Page 631 #1-5, #11-20. For both sections you need to write out the setences.

While you did this, I collected your orange topic card with your 5 focus questions. Tomorrow you will receive this back to begin your research for your paper!

Wednesday March 12th

Today we discussed focus questions for your research paper. You met in groups of two to discuss your topics, finalize a topic and discuss questions you would like to answer with your research.

Homework:
Fill out the orange 3x5 card with your topic and your name on the top line. On the front list your 5 focus questions. On the back, jot down other questions, just in case your 5 don't work out.

I advise you to talk with your mom, dad, grandparents or another adult about your topic. Ask him/her: what would you like to learn from reading my paper?

Your questions should be VERY SPECIFIC and be able to be answered in a page of information.

For example:

Topic: Vietnam War

Good Question: What were some of the causes of the Vietnam War?

Bad Question: When did the Vietnam War begin?

Tuesday March 11

Today we discussed more about your topics for the research paper.

Please read what I explained in Monday's entry about "good topic choices" and use what I explained today to bring in two solid ideas for tomorrow.

Next we discussed our final unit of grammar: punctuation. Today we explored a little about end marks and periods.

Homework:
Page 622-626---take notes, include something about direct and indirect quotes.
#1-10 answers only
Part B, answers only
Part C--rewrite paragraph
Page 626 #1-15 answers onlyAlso, come to class with two solid research paper topic ideas!

Monday March 10th

Today you took your test over capitalization!

We also discussed research papers briefly. Highlighted in our discussion:

On Wednesday you need to come in with two topic ideas (a first and a second choice). When thinking about a topic, keep this in mind:

Choose a topic you don't know a great deal about
Choose a topic you are interested in
Choose a topic that will lend itself to a 5-7 page research paper (do no pick too narrow of a topic or too broad of a topic)

You may NOT choose the following topics:
**a specific person (they end up sounding too much like biographies)
**a place (they end up sounding too much like a travel brochure)
**a particular sport or sports team
**the Rainforest of any type of Environmental Issue (i.e. Global Warming)
**The Holocaust
**a type of car

Friday March 7th

Today you had an inclass review session. It consisted of Page 615 and 616, Sections A-E, answers only.

This will be graded as a mastery grade on Monday. You will also have your test on Monday as well!

Monday and Tuesday March 3rd and March 4th

Yesterday, March 3rd's homework:
Page 601-602 Part A, answers only
Part C, rewrite paragraph

Page 603-604
Part A answers only
Part B rewrite paragraph

Today, March 4th's homework:
Page 607 #1-20, answers only
Page 609 #1-10 answers only
Part B, rewrite paragraph

This section on capitalization should only take us through this week.
You are slated to have a test on Friday!

A Snowy Friday February 29th

Today you had a writing prompt and all of class to work on it. Remember, this writing prompt stemmed from the movie and yesterday's discussion (which you should have took notes on).

“The Neverending Story” Essay

DIRECTIONS: Choose one of the following writing prompts below. Then complete any prewriting activity you would like (including Brain Map, organized lists, etc.). You will be turning this in along with your essay. Next, begin to draft your essay. If time in class allows, edit your essay. At home this weekend, have one other person edit your essay. Finally, type the final version, with a proper MLA heading and have it ready for class on Monday.

CHOICE #1
Stories create entryways into new worlds. They allow us to dream. They inspire us. They give us characters we can relate to and demand us to become involved, much like Bastian in The Neverending Story. Choose a story you’ve read before that has made you feel this way. Give a brief summary of the story and tell how/why you were able to connect to the story. Remember to be specific and give examples to back up your thesis.

CHOICE #2
In The Neverending Story, the Nothing represents despair and darkness. Fantasia disappears because the Nothing easily takes over as the people of Fantasia start to give up on their hopes and dreams. Discuss the importance of having goals and pursuing dreams. How does having goals/dreams effect one’s life? What goals and dreams do you have? What are you doing to actively pursue them? How can you help others who may possibly be giving up too easily? How can you inspire others to pursue their dreams?

On Monday, I will expect to see:
1. Your prewriting activity
2. Your rough draft with a signature as evidence that someone else has read your essay to help you proofread it.
3. Your final typed copy with MLA format (your paper should end up being at least ¾ of a typed page).

THURSDAY Feb 28th

Today we finished watching the Neverending Story.

We discussed the movie and certain themes in class. You should have taken notes as asked.

Tomorrow you will be doing an in-class writing. Be prepared with paper and pen and the willingness to pre-write, draft, and edit during class.

Tuesday and Wednesday

Tuesday:

ONLY FOR THOSE WHO WERE HERE: you were to write a short persuasive essay using the article I read to you in class as a starting point. I collected it on Wednesday.

IF YOU WERE NOT HERE: you will not be responsible for completing this assignment. It will show as astricks on Edline. It will not harm or help your grade. It simply will not be factored in.

Wednesday: I gave you an editing assignment to work on. This assignment is due on Thursday. You must take your time and great effort to thoroughly edit this essay. You may choose to handwrite it VERY NEATLY or TYPE it and turn in the final copy tomorrow.

Last Friday and Today, Monday Feb 25th

Friday we began watching "The Neverending Story" and continued watching it today. You are to keep up with the character traits worksheet while you watch, simply writing down information about the characters so you have everything straight when you are asked to write an essay at the end of the movie. The movie fits with the optimist speech theme of "Why Me? Why Not?" Keep in mind while you are watching how some of the characters have a "Why Me?" attitude about his/her situation. Also think how the character might answer the "Well, why not?" portion of the theme. In other words, what lesson(s) do(es) the charcter(s) learn from his/her situation(s)?

No homework. We will continue watching the third portion of the movie tomorrow.

Thursday Feb 21st

Today we corrected your mastery assignment.

Next you took your test.

You have the evening off---NO HOMEWORK!!

FRIDAY---review for the test we will have on Thursday 2/21

Today you were able to share your writings in class and hand in work. We corrected the work you had over indefinite pronouns.

Next you worked on a mastery review assignment. Most of you were unable to finish it in class, making it homework. We will correct and and collect it on Thursday 2/21. You will also have your test over Subject/Verb agreements on the Thursday we return from break. As I said in class, everyone should bring his/her book home to study!!!

Class/Homework:
Page 590 Part A, B, C, D--answers only
Part E, rewrite the entire paragraph. Make changes to sentences 36, 37, 39, 41, 42, and 44.

YESTERDAY, today, and TOMORROW

Yesterday we did not meet because you were on a field trip!

Today we made Valentine's Day cards to show appreciation to a close friend or family member. Make sure to give them today and let someone know you care!

Tomorrow we will correct and collect everything that was originally going to be collected today. Do not forget to bring it in tomorrow! We will also be reviewing for a test that we will have when we return from break next Thursday.

No Homework this evening!

Monday February 11th

Today we corrected/collected Friday's assignment.

Next we discussed inverted sentences. Remember the term inverted from thesis statements we wrote for the Princess Bride paper :) The same types of rules apply.

Next I gave you an assignment!

Class/Homework:
DUE TOMORROW: Page 584/notes
Part A #1-10, Part B #11-20, Part C rewrite the paragraph making necessary corrections.

DUE THURSDAY:
Page 576
Read the Sketchbook Options given to you. You may choose the first option or the third option.

If you are choosing option #1: I am looking for a piece of writing that includes good sensory imagery and dialogue.

If you are choosing option #3: I am looking for a piece of writing that sumamrizes the book or show concisely for the audience. I am also looking for what you liked about it and/or what you did not like about it (in other words, your review of it). Tell WHY you liked it/didn't like it--BE SPECIFIC!!

Thursday February 7th

Today we shared essays that you wrote on another theme in The Big Wave.

Next I gave you an introductory assignment to the next grammar unit: Subject and Verb agreement.

Class/Homework:

• Read pages 578-580 and take nice detailed notes (if you do not do this part you will receive ZERO credit for your assignment
• Pages 580 and 581
• Part A, answers only
• Part B, write out the sentences. You may only answer CORRECT for 5 questions
• Check Point, answers only

February 6th WEDNESDAY

Today we corrected last night's homework for a Mastery Grade.

If you still have questions about Compound or Complex sentences, please see me for extra help at lunch or homeroom time.

Next we discussed the 8-10 sentence paragraph about survival as one of the themes of The Big Wave. I allowed you to critique classmates work, deciding how to properly answer the question and write a well-focused essay with a clear thesis, details to support and a proper conclusion.

Homework:
Although survival was one of the themes of Pearl S. Buck's novel, there were others as well. We brainstormed other themes on the board. Tonight, you are to choose one and use the elements of good writing we discussed to write a short, 8-10 sentence essay (you may go over if you'd like) about the theme you chose. Remember to have a clear focus with a sound thesis, details to support and a proper conclusion. TYPE YOUR RESPONSE and have it for class tomorrow. Use proper MLA heading for your paper.

Monday FEB 4th

Today we corrected the assignment from the weekend.

Next you took a test over compound/complex sentences.

When you finished your test you were to take out the pre-write we did on survival. You could make changes/additions to your writing. Please bring this pre-write to class tomorrow!

Finally, for homework:
After reading The Big Wave (which you should have finished last week), on a separate sheet of paper, write a short 8-10 sentence paragraph discussing why survival is one of the themes of the book. You can choose to type it if you want, but it is not mandatory.

Thursday January 31st

Today we went over last night's homework. We discussed/reviewed complex sentences.
Make sure you know how to define a compound sentence and a complex sentence.

Class/Homework:
Mastery Review
Page 570 & 571
Part A #1-10 answers only
Part B #11-15 write out the sentences
Part C #21-24 write out the sentences
Part D #31-40 answers only

Wednesday Jan 30th

Today I returned from my conference with a great note from our guest teacher! THANK YOU! You represented yourselves and Shrine very well :) I am proud of your behavior and you should be too!

Class/Homework:
Exposure Review (due tomorrow) Page 564 PART A #1-10, Part B, write out sentences #12-16
Page 569 Part A #1-5 (write out sentences), Part B #11-14

Tuesday Jan 29th

Today I was not here; you had the Big Wave worksheet to complete with our guest teacher.

Monday January 28th

Today we corrected some book work from last week.



Next we discussed complex sentences on pages 565/566 and you took some notes. You also tried problems 567 #17 &20, page 568 #34-35 and put those in your notes as well.



Class/Homework:

Page 566 #1-10, write out sentences and underline according to directions in the book

#21-30--write out sentences and label according to the directions in the book.







**************

Tomorrow I will not be here. You will have Ms. Stefanakis as your guest teacher. Please treat her as a guest in the building and show her what a great class you are!



You will need your Big Wave book in class tomorrow!

January 25th FRIDAY!

Happy Friday!

Today we did some more work with compound sentences.

Homework:
Page 562 Part A #1-10
Part B--follow the directions
Part C--Follow the prompt as it is given to you. Have a sound topic sentence with at least 8 sentences to clearly support it.

Thursday Jan 24th

Today we had a shortened class. We discussed your eulogies and the type of writing effort I received. I gave you a reflection paper that you had the class time to write on. With any additional time you had the Big Wave worksheet to work on.

HOMEWORK:
The Big Wave worksheet is due tomorrow.

Wednesday Jan 23rd

Today we corrected last night's homework. Be mindful and sure that you know exactly what makes up a compound sentence.

Next we reviewed the first section of The Big Wave. Make sure that when you are working on the second and third section you are being complete with your answers.

Class/Homework:
You received sections 2 & 3 of The Big Wave. You had a portion of today, and will have about 15 minutes of class time to work on it. This assignment is due on Friday when you come in. I would wager that you will need to designate some time either tonight or tomorrow to also work on it!

Tuesday Jan 22nd

Today I collected your Eulogy paper and your Big Wave assignment from the weekend.

Next we discussed the next unit of grammar: compound and complex sentences. You had time to read, take notes, and attempt a few problems beginning on page 556.

Class/Homework:
Take notes on pages 556/557 & 559
Do problems:
Page 557 #1-10, #11-20, answers only
Page 560 #1-5 write out the sentences
#11-15 write out the sentences

January 18th

Today we discussed a little about Pearl S. Buck and her background.

Next we read a few pages together to start The Big Wave. You had the remainder of the hour to work on the questions and read up until page 17.

Homework:

• The questions for The Big Wave worksheet (front and back completed)
• The final package of your Eulogy. On Tuesday you MUST turn in your rough draft (with signs it has been edited), your final copy, and the rubric (see the blog entry below. Copy and paste in a WORD document and print off a copy). If you do not have a printer or yours is not working, you must bring it to school on a disc so I can print it for you. I will only print off what you bring me.

EULOGY RUBRIC

EULOGY RUBRIC

____/20 main focus is to honor your subject and tell the audience what he/she should be remembered for

____/20 carefully edited and contains about 250 words, (about 1 1/2 pages long), uses proper MLA style heading w/name/date/hour/teacher/class (see your red MLA book if you have questions)

____/10 contains specific details or an anecdote about the subject to illustrate what they are remembered for

____/10 gives a conclusion (does not leave the reader/audience hanging)

____/60 TOTAL

Thursday Jan 17th

Today you brought in your rough draft of your eulogy. Remember that a eulogy is a usually a speech written in honor of a person who has passed away.

A handful of students chose to share their eulogies aloud with the class. Afterward we took time to critique them. Take those same points of critique and apply them to your eulogy if you chose not to read yours.

• Does your eulogy center around honoring your subject and telling your audience what he/she should be remembered for? Or does your eulogy go a bit too far creatively and lose that focus?


• Does your eulogy share anecdotes/short detailed stories to SHOW your audience what he/she should be remembered for? Or is your essay very TELLING in nature?

Remember that there is a word count of about 250 words (a little more or a little less is fine). Also, make sure if the eulogy is about yourself to write it in 3rd person.

I will post a rubric for this assignment tomorrow. Your final package for this assignment (including the rough draft, the final draft and the rubric) is due when you come to school on Tuesday.

HOMEWORK:

Although I am not assigning it or grading it, it would be in your best interest to edit your rough draft thoroughly so you will be able to turn in the best possible paper on Tuesday!

Wednesday Jan 16th

Today we corrected the MLK packet and I colleceted it.

Next we discussed the Eulogy assignment.

Here are some of the requirements and options you have:

• 250 words (a little less or a little more is fine)
• includes specific details
• your main focus should be to celebrate the life of yourself or someone else
• ask yourself: what do I (my subject) to be known for? what mark did he/she/you make on the world?

You may choose to write a eulogy:

• about yourself using 3rd person
• about a family member or someone close to you (they may be living or not)
• about a famous person you know/care a lot about

You must have a strong connection with the subject so you are able to include vivid, specific details.

Your rough draft is due tomorrow. You MUST have a completed rough draft in class or you will not be able to participate in the editing session. Your rough draft can be handwritten, but it must skip lines. You may also choose to type it.

Tuesday Jan 15th

Today we watched some video of MLK speeches and saw some powerful images. We discussed his voice and his words and his body language as he spoke.

We also heard a song by Will I Am that was inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.

Finally we read the last portion of MLK's The Drum Major Instinct Speech that he gave two months before he died. It talked about what MLK wanted to be known for when he passed.

This will lead into a new writing assignment we will begin tomorrow.

Homework:
Think about the things you want to be known for when you pass away.

Also, complete worksheet Writing Effective Sentences in the packet I handed out on Monday. This should be completed when you come to class tomorrow.

Monday Jan 14th

Today we began discussing Martin Luther King and his ability to be a powerful orator. We read together one of his speeches, "I See the Promised Land". During this we also discussed Primary Sources, their importance, and why we should question what we hear/read. Why isn't Wikipedia a good source of information? (I gave you a good illustration why :)

Homework:
Page 106/107 of the worksheet following the Martin Luther King speech you were given. Make sure you have it completed by tomorrow.

Also, make sure you have your $1 for The Big Wave book by Wednesday! Thank You!

Friday Jan 11th

Today we discussed the topic of survival and what that meant to us individually.

Next you did a writing on "survival" for the remainder of the class period. You were to choose the topic "Surviving ___________" or "The time I survived _______" or a creative title that would be similar of your own.

We will revisit these writings following our reading of The Big Wave by Pearl S. Buck. Keep this writing piece in your writing folder and bring it to class everyday.

Thursday Jan 10th

Today we graded the Mastery Review from last night.

Then you took your test!

No Homework this evening!

REVIEW WEDNESDAY Jan. 9th

Today you worked on a review for the hour to get geared for the test:

Page 549-550
Part A #1-10
Part B # #16-23
Part C -all
Part D-all
Part E - #46-52

Tuesday January 8th

Today we corrected last night's homework.

With the remainder of the hour we began work on conjunctions and interjections. You added today's class/homework to last night's work. I will be checking and collecting all of it tomorrow.

Class/Homework:
Page 546 notes
Page 547 Part A & B
Page 548 Part A & B

Your test will be on Thursday! Start preparing now :)

Monday Jan 7th

Today we corrected and collected Friday's homework.

Next we continued on with the preposition work.

Class/Homework:
Page 544 Part A and B
Page 545 Check Point

Friday Jan. 4th

Today I read some replies from companies who responded to your business letters! Very impressive!

Next we continued on with the Prepositions Unit we began yesterday.

Class/Homework:
Page 539 notes
Page 539/540 #1-20

Page 541 notes
Page 542 #1-10

WELCOME BACK--JAN 3rd

Welcome back to school! I hope you are all refreshed and ready to get back to work!

We began a new grammar unit today: Prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections on page 537.

You took notes on page 536/537 and we discussed your findings.

Class/Homework:
**Page 538 #1-10 & #11-20
**Worksheet: Run-ons and Fragments portion